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Keep up with the latest NFPW news. Click the orange icon for the RSS feed.By Julie Campbell
Julie Campbell with her book.
When I began research for The Horse in Virginia: An Illustrated History about 10 years ago, I was the editor of Virginia Cavalcade magazine. I knew how to write a historical book like this one-how to do the research, which archives and libraries I needed to visit, and so on. I also knew where to start to find the many images required, at those institutions and other places. But there was a lot I didn't know, believe me. Here are a few things I learned along the way. Some of them are pretty obvious, but in my case, I didn't fully learn them until I'd blundered along and experienced their truths (or in some cases, the consequences when I didn't follow them) for myself. I hope they help.
As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." He was right. I was cranking along on research in the fall of 2002 when the unthinkable happened: The state economy tanked, and my then-employer, the Library of Virginia, laid off 40 employees-including me. I did get some research done during my (thankfully few) months of unemployment, but I had to put the book on hold for several months while I interviewed for a new job, moved to a new town, began that new job, and-can't forget this one-recovered from a broken knee.
I speak with some authority, for I am a bad procrastinator. Actually, I should say I am a very good procrastinator. To avoid the book, I once spent an entire day raking up all the autumn leaves in my backyard and dragging them, one tarp load at a time, to the curb. I mean, the neighbor behind me was starting to give me dirty looks over the fence. Hey, I had to rake those leaves.
Every book and article I've ever read on organization and time management recommends this. And you know what? They're right. Sometimes, when I would think of the entire book, or a daunting large section, or a photo that seemed impossible to find, I would freeze up. I couldn't work on it. And then of course that self-imposed inaction would cause me to freeze up even more. When I dared to poke at just one paragraph, though, or to sort through just one stack of papers, or check one more website-I would thaw out a bit, the stream would start flowing, and it was OK. And, by golly, I did eventually finish the book.
Adriana Trigiani, friend to VPW and honorary member, is one of mine. Now that I've had a few book signings, I am even more amazed than before at how Adriana focuses her complete attention on every single person when they are with her. She manages to write a thoughtful and witty inscription and talk with the customer at the same time-all without misspelling a name or messing up her handwriting. (I have had a blot or two, and I'm still not good at listening and talking while writing. Give me some time.) And I'm also amazed at Adriana's work ethic and marketing savvy. And Emyl Jenkins, of course. So witty, so thoughtful, so generous in her attention, whether signing a book or making a ham biscuit. I will miss getting her advice and comparing notes, but I will always have her as a graceful, hard-working role model. And I just found another role model: Laura Bush. A little background: Over the past several years, as I labored away, a (non-VPW) friend and I always jokingly referred to it as "the damn book." As you know, the former first lady has just published her own book, Spoken From the Heart. I always thought it'd be fun to have a margarita with her, as she was sometimes reported to do with her women friends during her years in Washington. After reading a profile in the May 10 Washington Post, I know for sure that she and I would have something to talk about over our margaritas, thanks to this detail: "Mrs. Bush . . . says that for a time she called it 'the damned book project.' "
I know I'm preaching to the choir here, as most if not all of the readers of Galley Pruf are VPW-ers. But I cannot tell you how much it helped me to attend a conference workshop and learn some new skills, or to talk with one or seven of you over a glass of wine. (As Emyl called it, "writer's fluid.") Sometimes these relationships and conversations helped me find a source or rewrite a paragraph. Mostly, however, they helped me kvetch about one thing or another, and they helped me believe in my abilities. Your encouragement and support mean so much to me. Thank you.
Julie Campbell, a VPW member for 11 years now, is a past president of VPW and is the associate director of communications and public affairs at Washington and Lee University. "The Horse in Virginia: An Illustrated History" was published by the University of Virginia Press this spring. It's available from your friendly independent bookseller and all the usual online sources.